Who needs to Register as a Lobbyist per O.C.G.A. §21-5-70(5)?

No person shall engage in the activity of a lobbyist unless such person is registered with the commission as a lobbyist.

(A) Any natural person who, either individually or as an employee of another person receives or anticipates receiving more than $250.00 per calendar year in compensation or reimbursement of payment of expenses specifically for undertaking to promote or oppose the passage of any legislation by the General Assembly, or any committee of either chamber or a joint committee or the approval or veto of legislation by the Governor;

(B) Any natural person who makes lobbying expenditures of more than $1,000,00 in a calendar year, not including the person’s own travel, food, lodging expenses, or informational material to promote or oppose the passage of any legislation by the General Assembly, or any committee of either chamber or a joint committee, or the approval or veto of legislation by the governor;

(D) Any natural person who, either individually or as an employee of another person, is compensated specifically or undertaking to promote or oppose the passage of any ordinance or resolution by a public officer specified under subparagraph (F) or (G) of paragraph (22) of code section 21-5-3, or any committee of such public officers, or the approval or veto of any such ordinance or resolution;

(G) Any natural person who makes a lobbying expenditure of more than $1,000.00 in a calendar year, not including the person’s own travel, food, lodging expenses, or informational material, to promote or oppose the passage of any ordinance or resolution by a public officer specified under subparagraph (F) or (G) of paragraph (22) of code section 21-5-3, or any committee of such public officers, or the approval or veto of any such ordinance or resolution;

(F) Any natural person who as an employee of the executive branch or judicial branch of local government engages in any activity covered under subparagraph (D) of this paragraph;

(G) Any natural person who, for compensation, either individually or an employee of another person, is hired specifically to undertake influencing a public officer or state agency in the selection of a vendor to supply any goods or services to any state agency but does not include any employee or independent contractor of the vendor solely on the basis that such employee or independent contractor participates in soliciting a bid or in preparing a written bid, written proposal or other document relating to a potential sale to a state agency and does not include a bona fide salesperson who sells to or contracts with a state agency for goods or services and who does not otherwise engage in activities described in subparagraph (A) through (P) or (H) through (I) of this paragraph;

(H) Any natural person who, either individually or as an employee of another person, is compensated specifically for undertaking to promote or oppose the passage of any rule or regulation of any state agency;

(I) Any natural person who, either individually or as an employee of another person, is compensated specifically for undertaking to promote or oppose any matter before the State Transportation Board;

(J) Any natural person who makes a lobbying expenditure of more than $1,000.00 in a calendar year, not including the person’s own travel, food, lodging expenses or informational material to promote or oppose any matter before the State Transportation Board

The statutory Definition of a lobbyist is below:

“Lobbyist” means,

1. Any individual who communicates personal views, interests, or professional opinions on that individual’s own behalf to any public officer;

1.1 An employee or interdependent contractor of a vendor who solely participates in soliciting a bid or preparing a written bid, written proposal, or other document relating to a potential contract with a state or local government agency or a bona fide salesperson who sells to or contracts with a state or local government agency for goods or services, is not hired specifically to undertake influencing a public officer or state agency, and does not engage in other activities which would make such a person a lobbyist;

2. Any person who is invited by a public agency or government entity to appear before a committee or at a hearing of such agency or entity, including but not limited to a committee of either chamber of the General Assembly or a joint committee thereof, for the purpose of giving testimony so long as such person clearly identifies himself or herself and the interested party on whose behalf he or she is testifying;

3. Any person who is invited to furnish information upon the specific request of a public agency or government entity, including but not limited to a committee of either chamber of the General Assembly or a joint committee thereof, so long as such person clearly identifies himself or herself and the interested party on whose behalf he or she furnishes such information;

3.1 Any individual who is not compensated for the specific purpose of lobbying, does not incur more than $250.00 per calendar year in reimbursable lobbying expenditure and is a member, director, trustee, officer, or committee member of a business, trade, labor, farm, professional, religious, educational, or charitable association, foundation or organization which employs or contracts with a registered lobbyist for the purpose of lobbying;

4. Any licensed attorney appearing on behalf of or representing a client, and any staff employed by such attorney, when such attorney is not compensated for the specific purpose of lobbying;

5. Any person employed or appointed by a lobbyist registered pursuant to this code section whose duties and activities do not include lobbying;

6. Elected public officers or appointed public officials performing the official duties of their public office or position;

7. Any public employee, aide, or intern who performs services at the direction of a member of the General Assembly including, but not limited to, drafting petitions, bills, or resolutions; attending the taking of testimony; collating facts; preparing arguments and memorials and submitting them orally or in writing to a committee or member of the General Assembly; and other services of like character intended to reach the reason of the legislators.